Want To Get Started In Racing? Take An Ultimate Test Drive First

Experience the thrill of racing before shelling outthe track. However, passing of slower cars is
any big bucks. And no, that doesn't involve goingusually allowed on the straights, and you can still
to the local Porsche dealer and telling them "I'll justpush your car up to the limits. Just keep in mind
take it around the block." But there are testyou don't want to have to explain to your
programs available where you can drive a vehicleinsurance agent how your car mysteriously ended
that will accelerate 0-60 in under 4 sec and pull upup on top of a tire wall at the local racetrack.The
to 2.5Gs in the corners. Or experience the thrill ofgreat thing about this kind of program is that you
a 300 hp dragster for under $20 bucks. When itcan get some real track time for generally under
comes to getting a taste of racing without having$100. Check with your local track to see what
to go out and buy your own race car, you havethey offer.Jet Fighter On 4 Wheels - Racing Kart
a number of options to choose from. We'll coverProgramsNow we're talking about some real
them starting with least expensive and workingracing action - racing karts! No, these are not your
our way up.Your Local "Fun" Kart TrackMost citiesold steel tube, square-framed backyard go karts
have an outdoor or indoor concessionary-type go(and we don't use "go" any more) with a lawn
kart track where you can take a kart around formower engine. Today's racing karts are
a few laps for just a few bucks. Although theseconstructed with many of the same high tech
karts are not the fastest in the world, they'll stillmaterials and technologies as full-size race cars,
give you the basic idea of racing around the trackand with the exception of top speed,
along with some friendly competition from theperformance capabilities can rival a modern-day
other patrons.This can be a great place to start ifIndy car (as in 0-60 in about 3 sec. and 2.5 G's in
you have a kid who wants to get into racing butthe turns).With some Intro classes beginning as
has never driven anything. The main thing tolow as $99 with all equipment provided, you will
check for kids before you head over to the trackfind no other "newbie" racing programs that even
is to call ahead and see what kind of minimumcome close to the exhilaration experienced in a
age or height requirements they may have. Othercurrent generation racing kart for such little cost.
than than that, the karts all have bumpers andA school like Go Faster Racing Kart School in the
are very safe, so they make for a great startingDallas/Fort Worth area is a perfect example of a
point for kids.If you are fortunate enough to livekart school offering just such classes for those
near a major city that has a Speed Zone, Malibuwanting to get a real taste of what racing is all
Grand Prix or similar racing-type theme park, thenabout.A half-day class in one of their Veloce 125cc
you even have the option of testing out dragracing karts will give you a workout like you
racing in a controlled environment. Speed Zone'swouldn't believe, but you'll leave with a grin the
Top Eliminator dragsters are 300 hp machinessize of Texas and dreaming about how fast you
capable of 0 to 70 in under 3.5 seconds and pullcan get back out on the track. There are many
2.5 G's. Not only that, their tracks are set up tosimilar kart schools around the country, so just
race four at a time! (The cars are attached to acheck with your local kart track or club to see
centerline rail, of course, to keep everyone fromwhat's available in your area. For the money a
flying into each other.) You won't find that at anyracing kart class will give you the closest feel to
local drag strip. And with current prices aroundwhat real racing is like, so I give this option my
$12 for three runs, it is no doubt the most funhighest "Ultimate Test Drive" recommendation.The
you could have in anything race-related for lessReal Deal: Full-Blown Racing SchoolNow, if you are
than the cost of feeding your family atdead set on jumping right into a full-size race car,
McDonald's!Auto Maker Driving Clinics &then there is obviously no substitute for actually
PromotionsAlthough these can be hit or miss asdriving one for your test drive. Most road course
far as timing goes to catch one, many timestracks have an associated racing school that
through the year automakers will host specialoffers half day, full day and multi-day classes for
driving events to highlight their latest and greatestdrivers. Also, your local SCCA chapter usually has
automobiles. And the great thing about them isdriver classes scheduled at various times
that the car is provided and the cost is usuallythroughout the year, but the race car may or
minimal or even free!Mazda's Rev It Up is a greatmay not be provided.A half-day class at a local
example of this kind of program. The Mazdaracing school is probably your best bet when it
event is a weekend driving school and competitioncomes to taking your ultimate test drive. Once
in the new Mazda 3 at locations throughout theagain most schools will provide all your safety
US over the course of the year. For about $40equipment so you just show up and drive. You
you get a high-performance driving school cliniccan expect half-day classes to average around
and then a chance to post your time on a parking$500. For your money you will generally get
lot autocross course for a nationwide competition.classroom instruction covering the basics of
Not a bad deal.Another example is from the 2004operating the racecar, learning the "racing line"
Indy Racing League Chevy 500 at Texas Motoraround the course, gear selection into and out of
Speedway. Chevy gave the opportunity to racethe corners, braking points, corner entry and exit
fans to take their new Chevy Avalanche for a 70points followed by some lap sessions and coaching
mph three lap cruise around the high-banked trackout on the track.With a typical "school" race car in
of Texas Motor Speedway. All you needed was athe 130 to 150 hp range and capable of speeds
valid drivers license and each fan got to hop in bywell over 100 mph, you'll definitely have your
themselves for three laps behind a pace car. Andhands full as you begin to learn some new
best of all - it was free! Where else could youconcepts in driving like heel and toe downshifting
walk in off the street and get to drive inand threshold braking. For a couple of excellent
someone else's car on a Superspeedway normallyweb sites on racing schools try or Time To Go
reserved for NASCAR and the IRL!?Unfortunately,Race!Hopefully, you've gotten a good idea of your
these types of events are few and far between,options for hopping in a race car before sinking a
but they're out there. Keep your eyes open forlot of your hard-earned money into the sport.
one, and the opportunity just may pop up.Out ofYou may find the type of racing you thought you
Your Garage & On To The TrackThe next stepwere interested in is not what you expected
up, but still very affordable - your own car at aafter taking a "test drive." Much better to find out
local racetrack. Many local tracks have specialnow than after having bought a race
times around their regular racing sessions whencar.However, for most people, I highly doubt that
you can take your own car out for a spin aroundwill be the case. In fact after the first ride, you'll
the track or run down the drag strip.Normally theprobably be so hooked, there is no turning back.
only special requirements are to have aSo, get out there, find a local racing series and Go
Snell-approved helmet and then sit throughRacing Now!Larry Lenamon is part owner of a
whatever basic driver orientation class they mayhigh performance racing kart school, avid racing
have. Thus, no special equipment on your car isfan, and classic car restorer, along with having a
needed - just show up with most any street legalprofessional career as a pilot and aerospace
vehicle(probably not the Suburban or Grandma'sengineer for a major U.S. airline. His website is an
station wagon) and you're set.For road coursesonline resource for getting started in racing, racing
you'll probably be warned against any full-blownsponsorship, alternatives to racing sponsorship,
head-to-head racing with the other cars out onracing schools, racing skills and more.